Christie to Address California Republicans

SACRAMENTO (CN) – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will deliver the keynote speech at the California Republican Party convention in February. Christie’s announcement on Friday added fuel to the speculation that he will challenge Jeb Bush for the presidential nomination next year. Christie campaigned for California Republicans Meg Whitman in 2010 and gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari last year. “I’m excited to be joining Republicans in California as we plan for the years ahead and look to build upon the successes of 2014,” Christie said in a statement. Christie has not publicly announced a 2016 presidential bid and has told reporters he won’t be rushed into an announcement. But he has hardly kept a low profile in 2015, appearing at Dallas Cowboys games and defending his upcoming trip to the United Kingdom to New Jersey taxpayers still fuming over the embarrassment from Bridgegate. Christie will deliver the keynote speech on Feb. 28 in Sacramento at the CRP Spring 2015 Organizing Convention luncheon. “We are thrilled he will be joining us at the convention to share his story and wisdom,” said California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte.